How are you? It sure was wonderful to hear from so many of you after last month’s newsletter. Thanks for keeping in touch! Also, welcome to the new friends joining us.
The new Chicken Soup books will be out in April and May. Three more of my short stories will appear in their spring releases. The short story about my youngest son, “The Treasure”, was chosen to appear in their syndicated column on March 17! Before I place my order for the books, I’d like to know how many of you would like to reserve some signed copies at a greatly reduced rate. I will be ordering the following books: Chicken Soup for the Scrapbooker’s Soul, Chicken Soup for the New Mom’s Soul (released in April), and Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover’s Soul (released in May). A lot of you have told me how much you love Chicken Soup books. This is your chance to get copies to give as gifts or to keep yourself. Let me know by Sunday night, March 4, if you’d like to take advantage of this special offer. Paulab07@paulafblevins.com
Now, I need your help with a few things, please.
• The co-author liaison to the Chicken Soup books has requested “The Story after the Story” – stories from you about how one of my stories has affected your life. A few of the ones coming out might make an impact on you – make you stop and think, encourage you, or make some other positive impression. (They make me cry – happy tears though.) If so, let me know. We can work together to get that written up for her.
• My new blog is up and running. I can’t figure out how to get any pictures or other web links there yet, but I have posted a few pieces there. I’m no theologian, but these are my observations from events in my every day life and the lessons I learn from God. Please join me on this journey. Leave your comments on the site. Your interaction helps bring traffic to both of my sites. You can read my posts and make your comments here: www.bearinglife.blogspot.com. Let’s ‘Bear Life’ together.
• If you have a blog somewhere, I’d love to connect to your space! Or, do you know how to add more features to mine? Then please help me!
• Also on that blog, I’m doing a “Here’s to You” column. These are true stories about random acts of kindness you’ve experienced. My first one is to ‘Mr. Wal-mart Greeter Guy’. If you have a story to tell, let me know. You can write it, or I can help. (I do reserve the right to edit it though.) I’d like to have at least one a month, possibly more. If I receive a lot of stories, I am considering approaching an editor about writing a book to include them.
• I’d like to conduct some writing workshops too. “Writing from the Heart for the Heart”. This can be for adults or kids where you’ll learn how to write from your heart for others. Anthologies, such as the Chicken Soup books, are true stories from ordinary people like you and me, writing about something special that occurred. We all have those moments we’ll never forget. It’s just a matter of getting them on paper in a concise, yet engaging way that can make others laugh or cry.
• And finally, schools and speaking engagements: I am now scheduling visits for March and May. Several students have requested another visit this year – I’m honored and touched – Thanks. Let your teachers know, and we’ll try to get it scheduled.
Wow! I know I’ve asked a lot from you, but you guys are my greatest encouragers. Sometimes I get frustrated in this writing world, but then one or more of you will drop me a line of cheer. God blesses me through you. :) Thank you.

My love and prayers,
Paula
www.paulafblevins.com
Blog: www.bearinglife.blogspot.com
E-mail: paulab07@paulafblevins.com